If you’re a fan of intense romantic stories and can’t get enough of the heated rivalry between characters, then you might be in for a treat. A new series called Off Campus is set to capture your attention and keep you hooked from the very first episode.
Based on Elle Kennedy’s popular hockey romance novels, Off Campus promises to deliver a steamy and emotionally charged experience that will have you on the edge of your seat. The show is making its way to screens soon, and if you’re curious about what it’s all about, here’s everything you need to know.
What is Off Campus about?
Set at the fictional Briar University in Massachusetts, Off Campus is inspired by The Deal, the first book in Elle Kennedy’s series. The story follows Hannah (played by Ella Bright), a shy and talented songwriter who is also a star student. She agrees to tutor Garrett (Belmont Cameli), the captain of the university’s hockey team, under the condition that he helps her make her crush, the charming musician Justin (Josh Heuston), jealous.
As the story unfolds, a predictable yet captivating twist occurs: the chemistry between Hannah and Garrett starts to grow, and their fake relationship begins to feel more real. When their plan seems to work and Justin finally shows interest, Hannah is forced to confront her true feelings—does she belong with the star hockey player or the enigmatic musician?
For Josh Heuston, who plays Justin, portraying this character was both a challenge and an opportunity. He wanted to avoid making his character fall into the typical “bad boy” trope.
“I was protective of Justin falling into the bad boy archetype on campus,” Josh explained. “He’s a bit of a jerk in some ways, but I wanted him to feel like a real person with reasons why someone would want to date him.”
While the central love triangle is a major part of the show, Off Campus also explores other storylines that add depth to the narrative. Hannah’s best friend, Allie (Mika Abdulla), is also dealing with her own challenges, questioning whether her long-term relationship still fits into the ever-changing world of college life.
According to Mika, the emotional complexity of the show makes it relatable.
“It does a great job at showing the contrast between how these characters act socially versus how they are around the people they love,” she said. “Everyone has flaws, and that’s a good thing. The show highlights that even if you’re the star hockey player, the musician, or the top drama student, everyone carries their own insecurities when they go home.”
Who stars in Off Campus?
Belmont Cameli, known for his roles in Saved By The Bell and Based On A True Story, brings energy and charm to his role as Garrett Graham, the star hockey player at Briar University. Ella Bright, who has appeared in Holmes & Watson and Malory Towers, plays Hannah Wells, the love interest.
Josh Heuston, a well-known Australian actor from Heartbreak High and Dune: Prophecy, takes on the role of Justin, Hannah’s initial crush. In a change from the original books, his character is reimagined as a musician instead of a football player.
Chemistry and casting
From the moment Belmont and Ella met for their first chemistry read, it was clear that something special was happening. Belmont shared his thoughts on the experience:
“I had done it maybe a couple times with some other people and felt good, but when Ella and I got in there to do that, it felt like a different thing. It felt like, ‘Oh man, this feels true and real, and just really honest.’”
Ella added, “I was in the room, and it was a circle of guys coming through [one after another]. It was quite a strange experience.” But when she read with Belmont, “he left the room, and we all looked around and were like, ‘That’s Garrett, for sure.’”
Is there a trailer for Off Campus?
Yes! The first trailer for Off Campus has been released, giving fans a glimpse of the smoldering chemistry between Garrett and Hannah. One of the most memorable scenes involves them bumping into each other while Garrett is taking a shower!
The trailer also shows snippets of the pair engaging in some intimate moments, setting the tone for the steamy romance that the series promises.
When does Off Campus premiere?
Good news for fans: Off Campus is set to debut on Prime Video on Wednesday, May 13. This means you won’t have to wait too long to dive into the world of Briar University.
All eight episodes will be available to stream at once, giving you plenty of time to binge-watch. If you’re interested in the original source material, you can pick up The Deal before watching the series.
Even better, the show has already been renewed for a second season. Each installment will focus on a different love story, similar to the format of Bridgerton.
Where can I watch Off Campus?
Off Campus will be available exclusively on Prime Video. Make sure to mark your calendar for May 13 and get ready for a new romance series that’s sure to captivate you.
